Wayne Bennett defends call to play Oates

The NRL has backed Brisbane to make the right call over Corey Oates with Wayne Bennett dismissing critics of his decision to play the Brisbane winger a week after a sickening on-field collision.

Bennett confirmed Oates would start in Friday night's preliminary final against Melbourne along with skipper Darius Boyd (hamstring), just days after the lanky flyer was knocked unconscious in the semi-final win over Penrith.

Oates had to be taken off in a medi-cab after colliding with teammate Anthony Milford in the first half against the Panthers.

His selection against the Storm raised eyebrows as well as player welfare concerns.

But Bennett bristled when it was suggested the coach had pressured Oates to play the grand-final qualifier.

"There has never been pressure on any players to play with me here," he said.

"It was in the hands of the doctor. The doctor's made a decision, it is now in Corey's hands whether he wants to play and he wants to play and that is the way it will be.